Three Labour frontbenchers resign to back calls for ceasefire in Gaza
by 0 
Three Labour frontbenchers have resigned in order to back an SNP motion calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.
Afzal Khan, who was the shadow minister for exports, has quit his post alongside Yasmin Qureshi, who was Labour’s shadow minister for women and equalities.
Paula Barker, shadow minister for devolution and the English regions also resigned.
It is the fourth frontbench resignation over the party’s position on the Israel-Hamas war, after Imran Hussain quit last week.
The Labour Party has been divided over its approach to the Middle East conflict, with numerous MPs and some members of the shadow frontbench calling for a ceasefire – something Sir Keir Starmer does not currently support.
The Labour leader has backed the UK Government’s position of pushing for humanitarian pauses in the fighting to allow aid to reach Palestinians trapped in the bombarded territory but stopping short of calling for a total cessation of hostilities.
Politics Live: Reaction as Starmer hit by resignations
The divisions threaten to be exposed this evening, with MPs due to vote on an SNP motion calling for a ceasefire.
Labour MPs have been told to abstain on the motion, with members of the frontbench told to resign or face the sack if they defy the party orders.
This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly.
Please refresh the page for the fullest version.
You can receive Breaking News alerts on a smartphone or tablet via the Sky News App. You can also follow @SkyNews on X or subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with the latest news.
